Rants on Cycling and on Life:
Photos of people and bicycles that pass in front of my camera

10.14.2010

MUSIC IN MOUNT PLEASANT

Mariachi Bands in Mount Pleasantyears ago when I lived on the coveted 1700 Block of Lamont Street I felt as if the neighborhood would do well to have a MARIACHI CROSSING sign up by Lamont Park over by Don Juan's

just up the block from my house I could see what seemed to be a parade of men in skin tight black pantssome with a large black hat in one hand and a large guitar in the otherokay... some of them wore their large black sombreros with their ornate steel buttons and carried a small instrument that looks like a mini guitar

then it stopped

well... that problem got resolved(sarcasm)community activism worked to remove music from Mount Pleasantfear of Mount Pleasant turning into the next Adams Morgan

there were forces that fought growth, prosperity, and culture on the Mount Pleasant main streetas the rest of the city prospered Mount Pleasant stagnateda few spots opened up fulling both community need and someone's American Dreambut... many places remained vacant as the various powers that be refused liquor licenses and such from various proprietors

well... the healthy growth boom all over the city missed Mount Pleasantthe recession is openly visible on Mount Pleasant Streetlots of vacant store frontsinstead o f a multitude of shopping and eating optionsthere are laudra-mats and calling card storesall when there could be more

the Mount Pleasant Market which was more than a bodega has been vacant for years

in this economy... it is unlikely for anyone to take a chance on a neighborhood that was not willing to give businesses a chance when they wanted onethings were goodbut not nowit is not a good time to chase that American Dream

BUT WHAT IS THIS?MUSIC RETURNING TO MOUNT PLEASANT?

just as there was a fight to keep the music out of Mount Pleasantthere was also always a fight to keep music in Mount Pleasantalthough I am not a regular at the bars or restaurants that host the mariachi musicI still would love to see it come back as part of the neighborhood culture

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